Found Pet Resources - El Paso Animal Services (2024)

FAQs

How long before a stray dog is legally yours in Texas? ›

The aim is to ensure that the dog is either reunited with its owner or properly cared for until the owner is found. If the owner isn't found, then the dog is considered abandoned. And for many places across Texas, that means after 3-5 days, the dog is considered yours.

There is no limit to the number of pets you're allowed to own within El Paso city limits.

Rehoming Support

El Paso Animal Services is a coordinated-intake shelter that accepts pets from the El Paso County and Fort Bliss by appointment. Please utilize our links under the “rehoming your pet” section along with posting your pet on the Home to Home and Adopt-a-Pet websites.

El Paso city code bans animals that make noise frequently or for long periods of time, and that disturb a residential neighborhood, said Code Compliance Manager Elda Hefner. “Dogs are gonna bark,” Hefner said. “That is what they do.” In a residential area, the noise limit from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. is 50 decibels.

These local laws will dictate your legal obligations and the process you must follow. In Texas, the law legally classifies dogs as property. Keeping a stray dog without attempting to find its owner or failing to follow local regulations could be considered taking someone else's property, essentially theft.

If you are able to transport the animal, take them to the nearest animal shelter. If you plan to keep the animal in the event no owner is found, notify animal control that you have the animal or that you have taken them to a veterinary hospital for treatment.

The answer to the question of if you can bury your pet in your backyard is yes, most cities only require property owners to bury that remains of their animals at least three to four feet in the ground but you should still verify with your city or county first before attempting to bury the remains of your pet.

Back in February, El Paso County Commissioners voted to reinstate leash laws at regional parks and trails.

Poor hygiene and worsening behavior may be a clue that your pet needs a change. Other signs that it may be time to find a new home for your pet include: Physical inability to exercise him properly. Inability to drive or use public transit to purchase food and supplies or take him to the vet.

Where is the best place to rehome my pet? ›

Check with the animal shelter, rescue or breeder where you got your pet. Some organizations require in the adoption contract that you return the pet to them if you can no longer provide care. Even if it wasn't part of your contract, the organization or breeder may be able to help you find your pet a new home.

Share the story of your pet. Write a story about your pet that includes the reason you need to rehome them, the type of home and family your pet would thrive in, and some fun information to gain interest in your pet (such as what their favorite things are, tricks they can do, their funniest characteristics, etc.).

As a rule of thumb, the police department will not be able to help you unless it is an urgent situation. It may be more helpful to call your local animal control service instead. If they believe your complaint has merit, they may contact the owner of the offending animal with a warning.

In Texas, there is no specific law that dictates how long a dog can bark. Instead, the law focuses on whether the barking constitutes a public nuisance. So, while there is no set time limit, excessive and continuous barking could potentially be considered a violation of local noise ordinances.

Veterinary records, registration, license and microchip records can all be considered proof of ownership.

Governor Greg Abbott signed the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act in October 2021. The bill bans the use of chains for tethering dogs. Dog owners can only use humane materials such as trolley systems or ziplines on their animals outdoors. You will also need to provide shelter, shade and clean water for your tied up pup.

(1) “Abandon” includes abandoning an animal in the person's custody without making reasonable arrangements for assumption of custody by another person. (2) “Animal” means a domesticated living creature, including any stray or feral cat or dog, and a wild living creature previously captured.

Texans may not use a restraint that is a chain, has weights attached to it or is shorter in length than the greater of 10 feet or five times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of the dog's nose to the base of the dog's tail. Dogs may not be attached to a collar or harness if it's not properly fitted.